Quantum Hardware Intern / Working Student

Location: Ulm

Department: Research and Development

Job Description

As a Quantum Hardware Intern / Working Student you support the design, implementation, and scaling of advanced quantum photonic components for our quantum computing systems. You will contribute to experiments on prototype quantum photonic integrated circuits, assist in component and system‑level research, and help ensure reliable hardware integration in our lab environment.

You will work closely with quantum, photonics engineers, and control‑electronics specialists, building and testing optical and quantum‑optical setups around our quantum systems. In this role you gain hands‑on experience with state‑of‑the‑art Quantum Hardware and play a supporting part in advancing the technology that powers the quantum future.

• Perform design‑of‑experiment tasks for prototype under guidance from senior engineers.
• Assemble, test, measure, and characterize quantum photonic devices, with a focus on scalability and reproducibility.
• Develop, align, and maintain optical and quantum‑optical setups in the laboratory.
• Collaborate with design, production, and quantum science teams to integrate Quantum hardware into larger system demonstrators.
• Contribute to internal projects by running experiments to schedule, tracking progress, and reporting deviations or issues.
• Interface with internal stakeholders for component sourcing, test planning, and technical coordination where required.
• Document laboratory findings in a clear and structured way and present results in internal meetings.

Requirements

• Enrolled in a Master’s or advanced Bachelor’s program in experimental physics, photonics, quantum engineering, or a related applied science discipline.
• Hands‑on experience with optical lab equipment (lasers, fibers, detectors, tabletop optics) from courses, projects, or internships.
• Knowledge of integrated photonic components such as ring resonators, MZIs, beam splitters, and waveguide couplers.
• Basic understanding of quantum optics concepts (single photons, interference, coincidences, entanglement) and strong motivation to work in quantum technologies.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis and simple experiment automation; familiarity with scientific libraries is a plus.
• Methodical, systematic approach to experiments and troubleshooting, with strong technical writing skills for internal documentation.
• Proactive, accurate, and independent working style, combined with the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary team.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

Exciting aspects of the role

• Work with technology at the cutting edge of quantum computer engineering, directly on Quantum PIC‑based processors and subsystems.
• Contribute to challenging, high‑tech projects, helping solve real hardware problems and enabling new quantum experiments.
• Be part of a dynamic, international team of quantum, photonics, and electronics experts, each bringing deep domain knowledge.
• Gain hands‑on experience assembling, testing, and characterizing quantum photonic hardware that bridges the gap from research prototype to deployable system.
• Play a meaningful role in driving innovation for a quantum future, with the potential to extend the internship into a thesis or early‑career opportunity depending on performance and company needs.

Join us in building the future of quantum technologies!